Spring has well and truly sprung in Hawke’s Bay, with the sun set to shine on Hastings Racecourse as the opening Group One of the season fast approaches this Saturday, September 7.
The Collier’s Hawke’s Bay Spring Carnival stages a trio of elite-level races over the next six weeks, kicking off with the $400,000 Gr.1 Westbury Stud Tarzino Trophy (1400m), a race that has been taken out in previous years by many a champion of the Kiwi turf, including Sunline, Seachange, Rough Habit and Melody Belle.
In this year’s edition, much excitement surrounds the formidable Crocetti, who won the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) as a three-year-old and is the likely favourite with the benefit of a probable Good surface come Saturday.
The only horse to defeat Crocetti in his nine-start career is the ever-consistent Bonny Lass, who comes into the race off the back of success in the Gr.2 Foxbridge Plate (1200m) a fortnight ago. A highly competitive line-up also features fellow Group One winners Puntura, Waitak and Skew Wiff, with the latter aiming to defend the title she won twelve months ago.
Several future stars have emerged in the two undercard features, with the Listed El Roca – Sir Colin Meads Trophy (1200m) and Gr.3 HBPB Thoroughbred Breeders Gold Trail Stakes (1200m) contests a key indicator of the three-year-olds to follow through the spring period.
In the Gold Trail, speedy filly Alabama Lass made a big statement with an effortless display at Taupo first-up, placing her as a big danger alongside the likes of Captured By Love, Velocious and Archaic Smile. But don’t be surprised to see any one of the 10-filly field take the feature with an evenly-matched, exciting line-up.
For the boys (and one filly), the Sir Colin Meads Trophy poses another thrilling contest with Group One winner Move To Strike up against the well-performed Savaglee, Super Photon and Poetic Champion.
To catch all of the thoroughbred action in a fun, family atmosphere, bring a gold coin donation to the races in support of the Hawke’s Bay Cancer Society, which is proudly supported and associated with the Tarzino Trophy Raceday.
Additional donations are kindly welcomed and appreciated, with an opportunity to do so online through Hawke’s Bay Racing events ticketing.
While you enjoy the racing, the kids are spoiled for choice with a bouncy castle, facepainting, games, Fancy Dress Fashion In The Field and more throughout the afternoon.
For those looking for fashion, cuisine and entertainment during the meeting, the Westbury Stud Tarzino Premium Hospitality Package is still available, which includes a buffet lunch and an all-inclusive beverage package. Early bird tickets have been snapped up, but the general sale is available for $180.
Access to the Hylton Smith Member’s Grandstand with the Desert Gold Lounge and Sasanof Lounge is available to all racegoers for $30.
With the first race set to jump at 11:50am, head along to Hastings Racecourse early and don’t miss out on a scorching start to the new Group One season!
What: Tarzino Trophy Raceday, supporting Hawke's Bay Cancer Society
When: Saturday 7 September, 2024
Where: Hastings Racecourse, 300 Prospect Road, Hastings.
Visit hawkesbayracing.co.nz to purchase your tickets today.